Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya has expressed confidence in his team’s ability to catch Premier League leaders Liverpool after narrowing the gap to four points.
Despite injuries to key players Gabriel Jesus and Bukayo Saka, Raya believes Arsenal’s collective mentality and recent North London derby triumph over Tottenham Hotspur prove they are capable of sustaining their title challenge.
David Raya believes Arsenal is well-positioned to challenge Liverpool for the Premier League title after narrowing the gap to four points with a crucial 2-1 victory over Tottenham Hotspur.
The Gunners displayed mental strength, bouncing back from Son Heung-min’s opener with an own goal from Dominic Solanke and a decisive strike by Leandro Trossard just before the interval.
The win ended a frustrating run of three matches without victory, including a disappointing FA Cup exit to Manchester United and a League Cup semifinal first-leg loss to Newcastle United.
Despite these setbacks, Mikel Arteta’s team remains firmly in the title race, with Raya emphasising the unpredictable nature of football.
“Yes, of course. In football, everything can happen,” said Raya. “Three weeks ago, people were saying that Liverpool had the title in their hands. But it is just football and everything changes in two or three matches.
“We have to focus on ourselves, try and win every game, and see where we are at the end of the season. We don’t want to think too far ahead because that will play badly against us. We have to live in the present, that’s the most important thing.”
The victory was even more significant given Arsenal’s mounting injury concerns.
Forward Gabriel Jesus was ruled out for the season after suffering an anterior cruciate ligament injury, while Bukayo Saka remains sidelined following hamstring surgery. However, Raya credited the team’s mentality for overcoming these challenges.
“It was really, really important to come with a big, big mentality,” he said. “We know how important the derby is, not just for the league, but for the people that follow us. We showed very big character throughout the game, especially when we went behind. We were a little bit stunned but after that, we dominated the whole first half.
“We got the rewards with two goals before half-time. I am very happy with the performance, for the lads, and for Gabriel Jesus, too. He has a massive injury. This win is for him.”
Looking ahead, Arsenal face Aston Villa at the Emirates Stadium on Saturday. With memories of last season’s 2-0 home defeat to Unai Emery’s side still fresh, Raya called for focus and readiness: “We know how good Aston Villa are. We now just have to recover, train and be ready for Saturday because we know how tough it is going to be.”